Eroded part of beach to be cordoned off

METAL barriers are to be placed along an eroded section of Pagham Beach.

The safety measure is being installed by Arun District Council to keep people away from the area.

The decision was agreed by the council’s cabinet member for the environment Paul Dendle on Monday after the plastic netting which had been placed around the site in front of West Front Road collapsed in last weekend’s high winds.

More signs would also be provided to warn people about the dangers, Cllr Dendle said.

He told residents in an email: “We can advise and warn against the dangers but, if someone is determined to ignore our safety measures, signs and advice, we are powerless to stop them.

“Also, the option of closure of the beach was discussed and rejected due to the economic and logistical problems in stopping people going on to the beach.”

He said the situation was constantly reviewed to make it as safe as possible and to warn of the dangers.

He was urged to act by Allen Miller, one of the West Front Road residents campaigning for a long-term solution to the erosion.

Mr Miller said the netting had twice proved inadequate in the strong winds. There was a real danger of an accident in the area.

“I also hear that an elderly gentleman was walking near the edge where the netting is last week, lost his footing and nearly slipped right down,” he said.